Puigdemont to appear for European arrest warrant hearing

 Brussels, Dec 4: F ormer Catalonian President Carles Puigdemont will appear in a court here on Monday for his first hearing on the European arrest warrant issued against him by Spain. Puigdemont’s hearing near the Palais de Justice could continue through Tuesday, Efe news reported. A Belgian judge summoned Puigdemont and four other dismissed members — Antoni Comin, Meritxell Serret, Clara Ponsati, Lluis Puig — of the Catalan government on Monday, one day prior to the start of campaigning for the upcoming Catalan elections scheduled for December 21. Puigdemont, along with the four former leaders who have been with him in Belgium since October 30, have been on probation since November 5 while the Belgian judiciary considers the arrest warrants and their extradition. (IANS)